Estate needs speed calming

PUBLISHED: 06:54 27 July 2006 | UPDATED: 21:14 29 May 2010

THE Woodlands residents campaigning for speed reduction along Woodlands Park Drive wish to respond to the letters by David Green objecting to the proposed speed restrictions. A number of issues identified by Mr Green we believe are either incorrect or m

THE Woodlands residents campaigning for speed reduction along Woodlands Park Drive wish to respond to the letters by David Green objecting to the proposed speed restrictions.

A number of issues identified by Mr Green we believe are either incorrect or misguided in use as an objection argument against the council's proposals for speed reduction along the road.

The speed tables and cushions are an extreme measure, which is necessary to reduce the speed of a large number of drivers - not a 'small number' as suggested.

This speed reduction system is identified in the Essex Speed Management Strategy (SMS) paper 2003 - 2005, as providing a 'guaranteed and consistent' scheme with 'significant benefits to the community'.

The police may cite only one accident since 2004 but the number of cars using Woodlands Park since 2004 has increased by about six times, as well as the length of the road almost doubling, increasing the risk of accidents significantly.

Using the environmental CO2 emission impact of cars over speed tables is also somewhat misguided with consideration to Mr Green's suggested alternatives - Chicanes.

As a car slows and accelerates the exhaust emissions will change in the manner suggested, however, is the same not true of the slowing and then accelerating when passing through a chicane?

The speed tables were designed by the council at a length that would not hinder the path of emergency vehicles or public transport.

Had Mr Green taken the time he would have found many similar tables used in the side roads adjoining Woodlands Park Drive.

There will now no doubt be a delay following objections to the scheme to be generously funded by Wickford Development.

Let us all take extra care until a traffic calming solution is implemented. An accident involving just one child in this period will be unforgivable and was the very reason action to reduce the speed of cars was taken in the first place.